FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2026
Media contacts
Lesa Griffith
808-532-8712
lgriffith@honolulumuseum.org
Matt Serrao
808-532-8785
mserrao@honolulumuseum.org
BASSEL & THE SUPERNATURALS HEADLINE SPRING EQUINOX EVENT AT HONOLULU MUSEUM OF ART MARCH 20
HoMA, Shangri La and UH Mānoa Outreach College
present a program of music, food, Persian traditions and art activities to welcome spring
WHAT: HoMA Nights x Shangri La Honors Nowruz
WHERE: Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S Beretania St.,
808-532-8700
WHEN: March 20, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
PRICE: $25 general admission, $15 museum members, $10
students enrolled at Hawai‘i colleges and children age 3 to 18; tickets available at honolulumuseum.org/events
HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I—On March 20, the Honolulu Museum of Art teams up with Shangri La and the UH Mānoa Outreach College to elevate its weekly HoMA Nights to honor Nowruz, the Persian new year tradition marking the start of spring that is observed from Turkey to Mongolia.
Special guests Bassel & The Supernaturals,
Shangri La’s current artists in residence take the stage to play their neo-soul
sounds. Guests can explore a haft sin table laden with symbols for a healthy,
prosperous new year; enjoy Persian flavors from Bar Koko & Persian
Restaurant; and have a dessert and tea experience by chef Ahu Hettema of
Istanbul Hawaii.
“Nowruz means ‘new day,’ and this event is a time for community to come together in reflection as we mark the arrival of spring and the hopeful possibility of new beginnings,” says Navid Najafi, associate director of programs and social practice at Shangri La.
HoMA is home to a gallery of Islamic art and design featuring works from Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design’s collection. Visitors can see treasures from throughout the Islamic world then experience the cultural traditions of Nowruz.
The full lineup:
• Bassel & The Supernaturals: Frontman Bassel Almadani sings songs of his experience as a first-generation Syrian American in the Midwest. In 2012, he began writing deeply personal neo-soul compositions to raise awareness of the conflict in Syria, where he still has family. Through Almadani’s storytelling and sound, the band’s performances become gatherings that bring together diverse communities in celebration and solidarity.
• Bar Koko & Persian Restaurant: The staff of this Piikoi Street eatery will serve Persian dishes such as beef kebobs and dolmeh (stuffed grape leaves) in Palm Courtyard.
• Chef Ahu Hettema of Istanbul Hawaii: This talented chef creates a dessert and tea experience centered around the pomegranate, a fruit deeply associated with Nowruz as a symbol of renewal, abundance and continuity.
• Interactive cultural space: Guests can explore the symbolism of a Persian haft sin table in the Mediterranean Courtyard.
• Art-making The Pu‘uhonua Society leads a lauhala weaving activity and artist Aida Salehi holds an interactive painting workshop.
• DJ Yasha plays a specially curated selection of Persian and international music.
• Shopping: The HoMA Shop offers a curated selection of Nowruz-related gifts.
HoMA is open until 9 p.m. every Friday night, as part of its HoMA Nights program. With live music and DJs, special art-related programs and activities, dinner and drinks, the museum is a creative, inspirational option for Friday pau hana or date night.
Images available on request.
About the Honolulu Museum of Art
The Honolulu Museum of Art is a gathering place where art, education and community converge in two iconic buildings in the heart of Honolulu. Presenting its remarkable collection and innovative exhibitions in the galleries, screening the best in new and classic cinema and offering a full curriculum of studio art classes, HoMA is a vital, transformative part of Hawai‘i’s cultural landscape accessible to all.
The museum inspires and uplifts the community through transformative art experiences that celebrate creativity, cultivate wonder, foster empathy and enhance knowledge to deepen our connections with one another and the world we share.
Honolulu Museum of Art
900 S Beretania St
Honolulu, HI 96814
Honolulu Museum of Art School
1111 Victoria St
Honolulu, HI 96814
Communications: 808-532-8712
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